Meet Shruti Kabra – Research Engineer for Levidian Applied Technologies
Shruti joined Levidian in 2022 and specialises in graphene composite applications within our Levidian Applied Technologies team. She is based in Manchester where Levidian has a dedicated lab space within The Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (GEIC).
Hear from Shruti about her experience prior to joining Levidian, and why she wanted to specialise in advancing composites with graphene.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your experience prior to joining Levidian?
My academic background is in Aerospace Materials and Metallurgy and Materials Science. Prior to joining Levidian, I gained work experience in both academic and industrial settings in India.
Through these roles, I was able to get hands-on experience in developing hybrid aluminium composites using different processing methods, such as stir casting and friction stir processing. I also tested these composites to analyse the mechanical performance. Additionally, I maintained the smooth functioning of lab activities, including the procurement of lab consumables, liaising with suppliers, report writing, and managing project budgets. All of which contributed to developing the competencies relevant to my current role at Levidian.
I’ve always had a special interest in composites and a goal to research and develop advanced materials for higher efficiency and sustainability within them. During my master’s studies I took the opportunity to work on two projects:
The lab scale development of solid-state electrolyte and electrode for next-gen batteries beyond li-ion
The development of graphene enhanced composite pipes for hydrogen transmission, which led to my interest in graphene and what propelled me to explore the world of graphene composites in my role at Levidian.
What does your current role as Research Engineer in Levidian Applied Technologies involve?
As a Research Engineer, I undertake comprehensive graphene characterisation and laboratory research for customer projects. This involves the strategic integration of graphene into diverse matrices such as resin, thermoplastics, and rubber, to create graphene-enhanced composites. Subsequent phases involve mechanical, electrical, and thermal evaluations to understand performance attributes. We take an extensive view of the data generated from this testing to analyse and provide detailed reports for applications.
Another important part of my work is to continually acquire proficiency in the operation of diverse testing instruments, remaining up to date with research studies. This helps us to understand how graphene can make things better and explore different applications to address customer and industry needs.
What inspired you to join a climate tech company like Levidian?
As I mentioned earlier, I’m fascinated by composite materials and the pursuit to develop solutions that are both efficient and environmentally friendly. As I delved into my master's projects, I became intrigued by the incredible promise that graphene holds, particularly in the realm of composite materials and manufacturing. It's worth noting that the graphene used in these projects was supplied by Levidian! This connection encouraged me to further explore its potential and naturally guided me towards the role of Research Engineer at Levidian. I now have the opportunity to continue my exploration and contribution to the innovative uses of graphene.
Levidian's commitment to producing graphene through decarbonisation also significantly reinforced my decision to join the company. This aligned to my values and I’m excited to be a part of Levidian's journey.
Finally, what would you say to someone interested in perusing a career with advanced materials like graphene?
The world of advanced materials, especially graphene, is incredibly broad and constantly evolving. There's so much dedication and investment into studying it, given its diverse forms and applicable uses. There's also a wide array of composite materials to explore, for example, and you'll keep learning each step of the way. The exciting part is that these materials play a crucial role in moving us towards a more sustainable world. It's truly inspiring watching your lab findings making their way into real-world products and contributing to commercial advancements. Being part of that journey is truly rewarding.